Statement from Colts owner Irsay after guilty plea

Statement from Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay following his guilty plea Tuesday to one misdemeanor count of operating while under the influence stemming from his arrest after a March traffic stop. He received a year of probation, and was suspended for six games and fined $500,000 by the NFL.

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''I acknowledge the mistake I made last March and stand responsible for the consequences of that mistake, for which I sincerely apologize to our community and to Colts fans everywhere. Even more importantly, though, I am committed to do everything in my power to turn this whole experience into a positive event for myself, my family, and the community. In retrospect, I now know that the incident opened my eyes to issues in my life that needed addressing and helped put me on the path to regain my health. I truly hope and pray that my episode will help in some small measure to diminish the stigma surrounding our country's terrible and deadly problem of addiction. It is a disease like other progressive, terminal diseases - one that can only be successfully treated by understanding, committed hard work and spiritual growth. I am deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support during these past few months from my family, friends, care-givers, and our great community. Please know I am firmly committed to staying on my path to good health and I look forward to a great season.''

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